The canal de Nantes à Brest is one of the visible natural links of a Bretagne dominated by the city of Nantes, This canal although a precursor to modern fluvial navigationis facing sevearl environmental challenges. In this context, many local individuals and NGOs are are fightingto save it from pollution and thus save the small parts of natural beauty in an ever-growing urban jungle that is a menace to their region.

The construction of the canal dateing from Napoleonian times is impressive: 360km, 236 dry docks, 8 canalised rivers to provide water to the canal. Approachable by flat bottom barges, by foot, by bike or with the possibility of riding horses on its banks, the canal has always been a site for educative, relaxing or romantic interludes.

Two centuries later, the canal is part of the economy and of the life for numerous people although one of the main activities - tourism- is now threatened.

Conservation efforts:  The first mission to ensure for all the nature enthusiasts at this canal  is to ensure improvement in the quality of the water, This, in order to ensure the eco-system and the authenticity of this touristic and cultural place. This is the action that makes associations and local Government bodies united in their fight against pollution along the canal.

For more more information:
www.jedecouvrelafrance.com/f-199.loire-atlantique-canal-nantes-brest.html
www.azureva.com/bretagne/magazine/bzh_mag_canal.php3
www.tourisme-pays-redon.com/sport_loisir/randonnee_canal.htm

Submitted by Julien Brigant, SUP3, ISEG Nantes